UK house builders show caution as Brexit approaches – NHBC
British construction firms are making a cautious start to 2019 after slowing their house-building plans late last year in the face of Brexit uncertainty, an industry body said recently.
Probate ‘stealth tax’ scrapes through committee (LSG)
Plans to hike probate fees to as much as £6,000 have narrowly been approved following a committee hearing recently.
Agency reform chief to speak at The Property Ombudsman conference (EAT)
The Property Ombudsman’s annual conference is to hear from the chair of the government’s ‘Property Agents Working Group’ – just days before it is expected to reveal some of the […]
The Great Leasehold Betrayal
Minister refuses to crack down on toxic contracts and blames buyers for being too ‘excited’ to read small print properly – as families reveal they are trapped in ‘nightmare’ houses […]
Getting rid of eviction powers under Section 21 could impact on landlord numbers (PW)
A ban on Section 21, the process where landlords start an eviction, could have a negative impact on the private rented sector, new research suggests.
Trade Body Route Provides Japanese Knotweed Guidance (TC)
A national trade body is signposting lawyers to a wealth of free advice on Japanese knotweed.
Agency fees remain one of the largest property transaction costs – at 1% (PIE)
Estate agency fees continued to be one of the largest property transaction costs last year despite agents not having put their charges up. For a second year running, they are […]
Trade Body Route Provides Japanese Knotweed Guidance (TC)
A national trade body is signposting lawyers to a wealth of free advice on Japanese knotweed.
Firm sent letters with Latin phrases despite client’s learning difficulty (LF)
The firm sent the customer letters containing the phrases ab initio and prima facie despite knowing they had a learning difficulty.
Chancellor urged to abandon new tax for overseas property investors as Stamp Duty receipts fall (PIE)
Chancellor Philip Hammond is being urged to look at the Government’s latest Stamp Duty takings as evidence that an extra property tax shouldn’t be introduced for overseas investors.
SRA needs to get moving with the new rulebook (LF)
In May 2018, the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority approved the new Standards & Regulations that are designed to replace the 2011 handbook.
Clients’ focus on price is compromising us, say solicitors (LF)
Solicitors at smaller firms believe that clients’ focus on price is compromising their work and even their ability to uphold the law, a survey has suggested.